Buyer Beware: The Non-Recommendation Speaker Thread (Snake Oil Welcome)

[jliedeka]

That's sad, because the audio forums have some very knowledgeable members, with incredible amounts of knowledge, and ready to answer any question you ask.

I'm not saying the forums are without value. There's a wide range and depth of knowledge here and other places. It does, however, take more time to figure out who has the experience and ears to advise in any given situation.

Jim

 

[MinusTheBear]

I generally like people's recommendations on this site because the majority of the recommendations given try to give you the highest value for a considered price range and that is exactly what I look for in purchasing goods. While some have no problem spending as much as they have to to reach a certain performance the majority of people do not take this option.

 

[Sheep]

Nice personal attack. I disagree with you on a topic or two and I'm branded a moron? I’m not even going to argue, you’re not worth my time.

The Definitive line of speakers is far from snake oil. I’d like to know how you arrived at this conclusion.

Hm, I could'a sworn you weren't going to argue, but the latter half of your post says otherwise.

I dislike how their speakers have fudged numbers. One could argue that many manufactures have some intensional misprints in their specs, but no one misprints like Definitive Technology.

BTW, it isn't the amount of points where we disagreed, but rather the size of the points.

SheepStar

 

[MinusTheBear]

Hm, I could'a sworn you weren't going to argue, but the latter half of your post says otherwise.

I dislike how their speakers have fudged numbers. One could argue that many manufactures have some intensional misprints in their specs, but no one misprints like Definitive Technology.

BTW, it isn't the amount of points where we disagreed, but rather the size of the points.

SheepStar

So what you are saying is that they are like Bose but better

 

[Sheep]

So what you are saying is that they are like Bose but better

Bose has no numbers. I'm saying, that the 8inch subwoofer that plays to 4Hz is a heaping lie of monumental proportions. Just like all of their speakers. When measured, they show the low end is no where near the claimed specifications.

SheepStar

 

[deedubb]

Bose has no numbers. I'm saying, that the 8inch subwoofer that plays to 4Hz is a heaping lie of monumental proportions. Just like all of their speakers. When measured, they show the low end is no where near the claimed specifications.

SheepStar

So, do you buy speakers because they sound good, or do you buy them because they have good specs and the manufacturer doesn't try to mislead you? What I'm asking is do you buy based on auditioning, or do you look at their specs and pick whatever looks best?

I agree with you that the published specs are very misleading and really doesn't bode well for the company. However, if you actually took the time to listen to some Def Techs, you would realize they are actually very nice sounding speakers. Definitely not for everyone, as I would consider them quite bright, but great speakers nonetheless.

 

[gliz]

Snake oil, I can definitely think of a few that frequent audioholics

AV123
SVS

these brands do not make any outrageous claims, so what is your beef with them and what would you advise that folks buy?

 

[gliz]

Bose has no numbers. I'm saying, that the 8inch subwoofer that plays to 4Hz is a heaping lie of monumental proportions. Just like all of their speakers. When measured, they show the low end is no where near the claimed specifications.

SheepStar

so, where is this 8 inch sub that plays down to 4 Hz? I just checked the def tech site and I found no such claim on ANY speaker they make.

 

[Sheep]

so, where is this 8 inch sub that plays down to 4 Hz? I just checked the def tech site and I found no such claim on ANY speaker they make.

Hyperbole. That should help you find the subwoofer.

SheepStar

 

[gwilks98]

Snake oil, I can definitely think of a few that frequent audioholics

AV123
SVS

Curious: why do you feel these 2 brands are snake oil?

 

[Sheep]

Curious: why do you feel these 2 brands are snake oil?

Search his posts. He's trying to be the Ying to SVS's Yang, but he really sucks at it.

SheepStar

 

[zhimbo]

Curious: why do you feel these 2 brands are snake oil?

I will say that AV123 has some pretty dubious stuff for sale on their site - dig through their cable and accessory offerings ($390 5 ft power cord?) - but not their speakers, which seems to be the point of this thread.

I have no idea what beef he has with SVS. I assume he's simply being contrarian.

 

[gliz]

Snake oil, I can definitely think of a few that frequent audioholics

AV123
SVS

seriously, why do you think that SVS is snake oil, or did I misunderstand you? their specs have been vetted

for example:

http://www.hometheatershack.com/forums/subwoofer-tests/8148-svs-pb13-ultra-10-hz-tune-new.html

 

[gwilks98]

Come furrycute. I'm not looking to start a flame war. I really do want to know why you're going against the grain with those respected brands, and I'm not going to dispute your feelings. You have a right to your own opinion, but I do expect you to back up what looks like a cheap shot.

 

[crashkelly]

Here is a link on the same topic originally provided to me by Clint DeBoer when I asked a question about Streem Speakers.

http://www.hometheaterforum.com/htf/showthread.php?t=241669

If you look closely you will notice that the linked post was originated by our own glorious and/or notorious Seth=L

If you go to page two of the post, user Alex/d presents a hilarious parody of the "White Van" speaker.


Cheers
Michael

 

[jostenmeat]

If you go to page two of the post, user Alex/d presents a hilarious parody of the "White Van" speaker.

Interesting to note that AER makes very fine amps for music performance. I have one. It can't be the same company, could it.... I highly doubt it...

 

[crashkelly]

Interesting to note that AER makes very fine amps for music performance. I have one. It can't be the same company, could it.... I highly doubt it...

I would think no to that as well!

Cheers
Michael

 

[jinjuku]

Snake oil, I can definitely think of a few that frequent audioholics

AV123
SVS

Obviously your attempt at comedy means you have to keep your day job...

 

[Soundman]

jinjuku Quote:

Originally Posted by furrycute  
Snake oil, I can definitely think of a few that frequent audioholics

AV123
SVS 

Obviously your attempt at comedy means you have to keep your day job...

I agree.

 

[Sheep]

So, do you buy speakers because they sound good, or do you buy them because they have good specs and the manufacturer doesn't try to mislead you? What I'm asking is do you buy based on auditioning, or do you look at their specs and pick whatever looks best?

I agree with you that the published specs are very misleading and really doesn't bode well for the company. However, if you actually took the time to listen to some Def Techs, you would realize they are actually very nice sounding speakers. Definitely not for everyone, as I would consider them quite bright, but great speakers nonetheless.

I would buy a set of speakers that is proven to be good, and sounds how I like it. Specs and sound isn't the only thing going on. Not everyone knows what they are hearing, and not everyone knows what they should be hearing. It takes time to figure out what is right and wrong, and it is also opinion. I have my preference, and if I can achieve that preference without having to deal with a brand like Definitive, I will.

SheepStar